The Phalaenopsis is one of the most well-known orchids. Nowadays they can be found not only in the plant store or a boutique, but also in the supermarket. However, these are often very dull and common orchids. The color is often white or even pink and they are one out of a dozen. Therefore, they are often not fragrant. As a passionate orchid lover, it is an art to find an orchid that is not one in a dozen.
Is a Phalaenopsis (Butterfly orchid) easy to care for?
The Phalaenopsis has no pseudobulbs because the leaves grow directly from the rhizome. They always grow in rows of 2 along each other. The flower stem also grows up from the rhizome between 2 leaves.
The Phalaenopsis is a plant that can grow old and is relatively easy to care for. When the plant has finished flowering, the plant may be given a little less nutrition and placed in a cooler place (but above 16 degrees Celsius!). When the orchid then begins to bloom again, you can again flowering stimulating orchid nutrition feed. Under the right conditions, orchids can bloom for 2 months or more!
How big will a Phalaenopsis grow?
The nice thing about orchids is that they can often stay nice and compact. So the plants can be fine in a small space and still bring color, cleaner air and sometimes a nice scent to your home. The Phalaenopsis likes warmth, soft water (preferably rainwater) and normal to high humidity. So it is an ideal plant for at room temperature.
When kept properly, the Phalaenopsis blooms more and more profusely as it ages.
What potting soil is suitable for the Phalaenopsis?
Do not use soil or houseplant turf for the Phalaenopsis. He does not like too wet and acidic soil. In nature, these plants grow in trees. Therefore, bark is often used for these plants. Mixing with coarse coconut fibers is also sometimes done, but this can make the soil too compact. This is because the roots of the Phalaenopsis need daylight. This is why you will almost always get the Phalaenopsis from the grower in a transparent pot. So never just cut healthy roots away, because the Phalaenopsis needs these roots to absorb light, oxygen and nutrients.
Where can I place my Phalaenopsis?
The Phalaenopsis likes a lot of indirect sunlight during the day. So do not place this plant on the north. There the plant will receive too little sunlight. This will make it more difficult to flower.
However, also watch out for direct sunlight. On a south-facing window, the plant often cannot withstand the bright direct afternoon sun. Leaves can then turn yellow and, at worst, burn and die. We recommend using window coverings at a south-facing window. That way the orchid is protected from too bright light.
So where can I find the rarest Phalaenopsis orchid?
Of course, you have come to the right place. We have fragrant varieties as well as special novelties (rare hybrid varieties, which have been crossed on properties). Claessen Orchids and Plants has a wide assortment of special Phalaenopsis orchids.
Is the plant of your dreams not on our webshop? Perhaps we can get it. Feel free to send us an e-mail so that we can look for you!
Well-known Phalaenopsis orchids that we have in our assortment and/or can obtain are the following:
Phalaenopsis schilleriana, Phalaenopsis bellina, Phalaenopsis stuartiana, Phalaenopsis equestris, Phalaenopsis pulcherrima, Phalaenopsis mannii.
